By: Julia Dondero
Currently dominating the World Champions Rodeo Alliance Rodeo Carolinas Tie Down Roping Leaderboard is none other than World Champion, Shad Mayfield. The New Mexico native recently extended his lead to nearly 4000 points, with his sights already set on his second win of the 2023 Triple Crown series- Rodeo Carolinas.
The Rodeo Corpus Christi Champion also currently sits in second place in the 2023 PRCA standings and furthered his earrings with a recent win in Reno, Nevada at the Reno Rodeo. Paying out $500,000, Reno Rodeo classifies as a Division 1 Nomination on the WCRA leaderboards, providing athletes the opportunity to rapidly increase their position on the leaderboard. With this in mind, Mayfield backed into the box on a chilly high-desert June night in Northern Nevada with his sights set on the coveted Silver Spurs.
“Since my Rookie Year, I’ve always wanted to win Reno and knew I wanted to come to win Reno from the start of the week. It’s funny though, we were driving from Prineville, Oregon, and we were in the middle of nowhere and almost ran out of fuel. I joked that if we made it to a gas station, I’d win Reno.”
It was this winning mindset that allowed the 4-time NFR qualifier to make the fastest run of the Short Round with a 7.8-second run and secure the win on his new mare “Lollipop.”
“Lollipop is the first mare I’ve owned. She has a special place in my heart, the bond we’ve made is pretty special to me,” explained Mayfield.
Not only does this win add to Mayfield’s extensive resume, but it also provided him with the confidence to start his “Cowboy Christmas” run-off right and add to his WCRA leaderboard standings ahead of Rodeo Carolinas. With the $25,000 Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus on the line, Mayfield looks to end this segment as the VRQ Bonus points leader. As the 2022 Reliances Ranches VRQ Bonus Winner, Mayfield understands the impact this bonus can make on one’s career and has his sights set on taking home his second bonus.
Reflecting on the impact the WCRA has made on his life, the 22-year-old World Champion explained, “It’s great the things WCRA does for athletes. The $25,000 bonus at the end of the season is huge and I’ve set out to win the Triple Crown and VRQ Bonus this year”.
The 2022 Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus winner also explained his nomination gameplan, as the second half of the Rodeo Carolinas segment approaches.
“I aim to nominate the Division 1 Rodeos. With the win in Corpus Christi, I have my sights set on the Triple Crown of Rodeo Million Dollar bonus, as well as claiming the number one leaderboard position” explained Mayfield.
Looking forward to competing at the first-class Tryon International Equestrian Center in October, Mayfield has his sights set on winning his second major event in a row. “I look forward to October and Rodeo Carolinas. I’ll have my good horse with me and look forward to competing there before the Finals (National Finals Rodeo).”
